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Goulding’s Lodge in Monument Valley is one of the most renowned hotels in the Southwest. Initially, part of the reason it became so well known is the fact that it was the only lodge in Monument Valley for decades on end. Director John Ford and actor John Wayne called the lodge home when filming Stagecoach and several other western films, and for many visitors, the history alone makes it worth keeping in mind when searching for Monument Valley lodging. However, the hotel’s quality accommodations and stellar location have ensured that it’s kept its popularity over the years, even as other options for Monument Valley lodging have become available.

The lodge has plenty of wonderful things to offer, and among these is a spectacular location. The Monument Valley Tribal Park is just six miles away, and the entire surrounding region is laden with breathtaking views of natural formations such as the Mittens and the Three Sisters. Guests can enjoy splendid views right from their rooms or campsites, and that just might be the best overall perk.

There are several different options for guest accommodations at Goulding’s Lodge. There are 62 non-smoking standard rooms, all of which include flat-screen satellite TVs, a DVD player, coffee maker, mini fridge, climate control, and high-quality bath products, among other amenities. If you need more space or would just like a larger room, there are suites and small houses, all of which have the array of standard amenities, plus at least two bedrooms, a living room, private bathroom, and kitchen facilities. At the Goulding’s Lodge Campground, there are clean and modern campsites that can accommodate tents or RVs, or guests can also book one of the camping cabins, which are small, cozy, and have kitchens.

Goulding’s Lodge guests have little trouble keeping busy during their stay. Just on the hotel grounds, there is an indoor heated pool, as well as a sundeck, fitness room, and free wireless internet access. For meals, there is the Stagecoach Dining Room. Staffed by local Navajo residents, the food centers on Navajo and Southwestern cuisine, and the historical setting complements the cuisine. It also is possible to arrange a variety of Monument Valley tours through the lodge. All of the guides for these tours are local Navajos—most areas of the park require a guide, in fact—and they provide wonderful insight into their culture and the land that they call home.

Goulding Lodge Trading Post

Not to be left out when it comes to discussions about Goulding’s Lodge is its trading post. Part of this attraction is a gift shop that is filled with an impressive array of Southwestern items. The other part is a museum that offers insight into the history of both the old Goulding Trading Post and the Goulding Lodge. In addition to Goulding’s historical role as the setting of famous Westerns, it was an important center of trading and tourism in the Old West.

The hotel and campground together create a terrific base for Southwest escapes. In addition to being close to the Monument Valley Tribal Park, Goulding’s Lodge is near famous regional attractions including the Navajo National Monument, Canyon de Chelly National Monument, and the Four Corners National Monument. In other words, some of the Southwest’s most notable attractions are within easy reach of this place. Add in the fact that Goulding’s Lodge is an attraction in and of itself, and staying here only gets better.